The 112 Boston Marathon commenced on April 21, 2008. It consisted of a point-to-point course that took runners from Hopkinton, Mass., to Back Bay in Boston. It was a record-breaking year for a couple of reasons. First of all the prize purse was nearly 40 percent more than last year's and the women's elite race was so close that first and second place were separated by only two seconds.

Boston Marathon Statistics

There were 25,283 runners that entered the Boston Marathon this year, 22,375 of which started the race and all but 1.8 percent finished. About 41 percent of the runner population was made up of women and 122 were older than age 70. In the wheelchair division there were 16 entrants that started the race and all 16 finished the race. In the handcycle division there were 12 entries.

Boston Marathon Prize Purse

This was a record-breaking year for this historical marathon event. Up 38 percent from last year, this event offered $796,000 in prize money. This money was split between the open division, masters division and wheelchair/handcycle divisions. In the open division, equal prize money was given to the top finishers in the men's and women's divisions. First place winners received $150,000, second place winners received $75,000 and third place winners received $40,000. Other cash prizes in lower denominations were also awarded to fourth through 15th place winners.

In the master's division five cash prizes were awarded. First place winners received $10,000, second place winners received $5,000, third place was awarded $2,500, fourth place was awarded $1,500 and fifth place was awarded $1,000.

Top Female Finishers</strong><p>The time different between first place and fifth place in the women's elite division was less than five minutes. The top finisher was Dire Tune from Ethiopia with a time of 2:25:25. In second place was Alevtina Biktimirova from Russia with a time of 2:25:27, a mere two second difference. In third place was Rita Jeptoo of Kenya with a time of 2:26:34, in fourth place was Jelena Prokopcuka from Latvia with a time of 2:28:12 and in fifth place was Askale Tafa Magarsa also from Ethiopia with a time of 2:29:48. In sixth place was Bruna Genovese of Italy with a time of 2:30:52, in seventh place was Nuta Olaru from Romania with a time of 2:33:56, in eighth place was Robe Tola Guta from Ethiopia with a time of 2:34:37, in ninth place was Lidiya Grigoryeva from Russia with a time of 2:35:37 and in tenth place was Stephanie A. Hood from Canada with a time of 2:44:44.

Top Male Finishers

The male elite race was just as tight as the women's race, however, times were spread out slightly more. In first place was Robert K. Cheruiyot from Kenya with a time of 2:07:46. Cheruiyot is a repeat winner of the Boston Marathon. In second place was Abderrahime Bouramdune with a time of 2:09:04. Kahlil E. Boumlili came in third with a time of 2:10:35, Gashaw Asfaw from Ethiopia came in fourth with a time of 2:10:42 and Kasime Adillo, also from Ethiopia, came in fifth place with a time of 2:12:24.

Yesterday morning you woke up and saw that the sun was shining and you got an itch to go running. So you dug out your running shoes, scraped off last season's mud, pulled them on your feet and rushed out the door for your favorite 10-mile run. Today, your enthusiasm for the sport of running has somewhat soured because your feet, ankles and legs hurt and your chest is tight. As you look over at your running shoes they seem more like an enemy than an old friend. So what went wrong?

Starting Out Too Fast After a Break From Running

One of the main causes of running injuries is jumping back into running after an extended break. It is recommended that if you take a break from running that lasts more than a couple of months you should gradually build your way back up to your old running distances and speeds. This means starting out with lower impact aerobic exercise to rebuild your endurance and running short distances like a 2- or 3-mile jog.

Shoe Problems

Shoe problems can also lead to serious running injuries. The first shoe problem that you will want to avoid is buying the wrong running shoe for your foot and running style. The best way to avoid shoe choice issues is to go to a running store and get properly fitted with a good quality running shoe.

Another shoe problem that can lead to running injuries is that they are worn out. Running shoes that are worn out do not provide you with the support and cushion that your feet need. Just like you replace your vehicle's oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, it is recommended that you replace your running shoes every 300 to 500 miles.

The third shoe issue that you need to avoid is using your running shoes for every day wear or for walking. Both of these activities put different types of stress on your shoes and can wear down the special design components of your running shoes in a way that makes them uncomfortable when running. Generally, you should just wear your running shoes when you run.

Stretching to Prevent Injuries

Proper stretching is a key component of preventing running injuries. However, you don't want to stretch muscles that are cold and stiff. Instead jog lightly for a few minutes before doing your preliminary stretches. Then stretch again after your run.

Strengthen Your Core

While running is a great form of exercise, it requires supplemental toning and training. The most important supplemental training that you will want to do to prevent injuries is to strengthen your core. You can do this by squatting, lunging and doing abdominal exercises. You may also want to do light to moderate weight training to develop your overall strength.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition also needs to be addressed if you want to prevent injuries. A runner's diet needs to include whole foods, fresh fruits and veggies, adequate carbohydrates and plenty of protein. You will also want to make sure that your body is properly hydrated before, during and after your run.

References

Runners Guide. (2008). "Injury prevention-preventing common running injuries."

Military.com. "How to prevent running injuries."

Sports Injury Clinic. (2008). "Runners injuries: Preventing of running injuries."

One of the most popular marathons in the country is the Walt Disney World Marathon. It is held in January of each year and it attracts thousands of runners. The attraction to this marathon is that it takes runners through all of the Walt Disney Theme Parks, including: Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you want to run this marathon you need to get your registration in early, as there are a limited number of entries accepted and spots fill up quickly.

Participating in the Walt Disney World Marathon

To enter the Walt Disney World Marathon all you need to do is go to their website and fill out the entry form. You can even pay online. When you arrive in Walt Disney World you will have the option to participate in several great events and activities. However, you will want to pick up your timing chip, commemorative items and race packet ASAP. Race events start at 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

It will cost you $30 if you don't return the chip. If you finish within the allotted time then you will be mailed your finisher's certificate in February.

Race Events During the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

There are several different running events that you can enter during the marathon weekend at Walt Disney World. The main event, of course, is the marathon. This race takes you park hopping. Along the race course you will be cheered on by fans and Disney characters and treated to music and Disney movie science. The entry fee for this event is between $110 and $125. The 2009 event will be held on January 11. Right now the entry for the Walt Disney World Marathon is about 60 percent full, so you need to hurry if you want to reserve your spot.

The second event during this special weekend is the half marathon, which is run on Saturday. This race event also has a limited number of spots available, and unfortunately all spots are ful at this timel. If you want to run this event in 2010, keep your eyes open for the next entry period. which will open after the 2009 event in January.

The final main event offered during the Walt Disney is Goofy's Race and a Half event. This event is for runners who want to run in both the half and full marathon. This event is limited to 4,000 entrants and it is already closed for the 2009 event. If you plan on participating in this special race duo, you will get several additional goodies in your goody bag, many of which will undoubtedly become valuable collector's items in the future.

What Makes This Race Special

The main attraction to running in the Walt Disney World Marathon is that it is a Disney event. Disney fans from around the world try to enter this event for the fun atmosphere, the Disney themed events and goodies and for the excellent recreational activities that are available before and after the race. In order to facilitate participants in the planned running events, the Walt Disney company has put together several money saving travel packages that include lodging, special services, park hopping tickets, rental cars, meals and special event tickets.

A great tip for beginning runners is to buy a couple of running magazines to learn running tips, correct nutrition and more.......

A great tip for beginning runners who are still not sure if running is for them or not is this - head to your local bookstore, flip through the running magazines then buy a couple. Take the magazines home, make yourself a cup of coffee and a healthy snack, and spend a couple of hours perusing them. Why buy running magazines, you ask? What's that going to do for my running ability? Surprisingly enough, it'll do lots for your running ability and even more for your motivation level, and here's why.

When I began running, I enjoyed the daily runs but, after a while, I got a bit tired of running solo. I had so many questions I wanted answers to, but no-one to ask. I wasn't sure if I was 'doing it right', or if there were other things I should be doing. Was I eating the right things? Was I running far enough? Fast enough? Should I stretch before a run or not stretch? This is where the magazines come in.

Every month, there are many different running magazines published. Runner's World and Running Times are two of the most popular ones, but there are also imported running magazines that many bookstores in the US carry. Each magazine has great articles on training techniques, running tips, correct nutrition, guides to buying running shoes and running bras, and tons more stuff. They also have photographs of runners in action. And that's what got me obsessed with running.

When I first started running, I was overweight, which was a huge reason (no pun intended!) for me beginning running in the first place. I ran for a couple of weeks and lost a couple of pounds but not anything to write home about. Then I started to look at runner's bodies in the running magazines, and noticed the strong legs, the defined muscles and the healthy appearance each runner had. That's what I wanted for myself and I soon realized running was almost a guarantee of me getting there. That, along with reading the nutrition articles, the training tips and an article on buying running bras (I never could get the fit right before that), I soon found I was even more motivated to run and to run properly.

Once you really become serious about running, the running magazines are also great places to read about upcoming running events, races and marathons, and to read about ones that just happened. They'll also keep you motivated as, just a quick flip through any of them, and you'll remember why you thought running was a good idea at the outset.

So, for a great tip for beginning runners to keep you running and motivated, buy a couple of running magazines or even sign up for a subscription for your favorite one. Then set aside an hour a week to read, and check out what other runners are doing. For a few dollars a month, it's amazing what you can learn.

A great tip for running is this - walk sometimes, it's not the end of the world, and it will help you get to your ultimate running goal faster.

Often, when people begin to run, they seem to think they have to start running the minute
they leave their house and they should be still running when they get back to it. That's not only a recipe for putting you off running for life, it can also make it more likely you'll get injured. When you start to run, it's fine to run for a while then walk for a while, run for a while and walk for a while - even runners who have been running for years sometimes do this. There's really no shame in walking.

For beginning runners, think of this. When you first start to run, your body is likely going to go into shock. "What are we doing?" "I've never gone this fast before?" "Is he crazy, is he trying to kill me?" You haven't moved at this speed, often since you were a kid, so a sudden increase in the speed your body is expected to move at can be a big shock to it. <p>The best thing to do when beginning to run is to ease into it. Set yourself a distance goal - nothing too
far - and stick to it. But, if it becomes difficult to get to that goal while still moving at a running pace, then slow down. Run a little, jog a little, walk a little. Run a little, jog a little, walk a little. Keep to a pace that is comfortable for you and that you can comfortably still speak at. If you're finding it difficult to speak, or especially if you're finding it difficult to breath, slow down. Walk for a while. You'll still get to your distance goal so you won't feel a failure, unlike if you push yourself to run to get there but don't make it.

Don't forget too, pushing yourself to a speed you are not yet comfortable with will usually result in one of several things:

One, when you find you cannot keep to that speed, you will get discouraged and stop running. You've given yourself an expectation that is unrealistic and will only lead to disappointment.

Two, you are more likely to be injured if you push your body to a continuous speed it's not happy with. Pulled muscles often result and these can take weeks to heal, thus putting you out of action for a long time. This is when many people's running career ends before
it starts.

Three, you'll find your distance goals will shorten as you find it difficult to reach them. This means it will take you so much longer to reach a distance goal that feels like it's an achievement.

So, remember, the next time you head out for a run and are finding the pace a little bit too much, slow down. Ease into a walking speed, take some deep breaths and check out the scenery. When you reach your distance goal, pat yourself on your back for a job well done, and go home and take a nice hot shower. Tomorrow the pace will be easier, tomorrow you'll run a bit faster and, before you know it, that first distance goal will be reached at a running pace faster than you ever dreamed possible.

Looking for a vacation spot that you can "run" and relax in? Here are three spots that will interest you. Don't forget to bring a pair of running shoes.

Picture this. It's a cool summer day. The sun is shining and lush greenery is all around you. Thick, tall trees. Arduous, sweet flowers. Fresh, clean air. The best part? You are on vacation and running through a magnificent trail that only gets better with each step. It's an exhilarating experience that you can make come true by planning your next vacation in one of these areas.

South Florida (Miami and Florida Keys)

Ask your grandmother, there are a lot of reasons why people retire in Florida. It's warm, full of sunshine and oodles of places to run. You can buy a packaged vacation in this area that includes a group run over a variety of trails or you can go solo. Just remember, that your choices will be endless. Beaches. Parks. Bridges. Lagoons. You can run in all of these areas. Just watch out for the crocodiles.

Napa Valley, Calif.

Ask anyone to tell you why Napa Valley is famous and they will say "wine." While this is true, it's also popular for another reason. It's a great vacation spot for people who enjoy running. You can take a friend out for a run or go solo. Either way, you will be able to run for miles and miles through natural terrain cluttered with orchards and other country fare. Then, after a relaxing run, you can retreat to a nearby spa or visit a winery. It's a great place to go if you want to get away for a bit of romance, but also enhance your usual physical routine.

New York City and Suburbs

Are you yearning for excitement, big crowds and city lights? You can get them all along with a fantastic run by vacationing in New York. Manhattan, Central Park and the Hudson River offer up a mesh of urban and country terrain that will challenge you physically as well as stimulate your senses. The key is to visit during the spring season. It is during this time that the weather is runner "friendly" and you can participate in big events like the Boston Marathon. This area will offer you a lot of photo ops and unforgettable memories.

These three spots will offer you a lot of great places to run. So next time you plan to get out of town, don't forget your running shoes. You'll have plenty of places to use them in.

Sources:
http://www.runningawayonline.com/sofla_active
http://www.runningawayonline.com/nyc_active
http://www.runningawayonline.com/wine_count_activ

Create mini goals for yourself when running and see how fast they add up to big goals

I'm a goal-oriented person. In every aspect of my life, I set goals. I have goals for my job, goals for my finances and goals for my writing career. I even set goals for my love life (get through a week without calling him.... cancel one date a month just to keep him on his toes......), and goals for a host of other stuff.

So, it was a bit surprising that, when I first started running, I didn't set goals. Partially, because I was concentrating so much on buying the running shoes, the shorts, the running bra etc., I didn't think about what I was going to do when I actually started running. Then, once I got outside and set off, it suddenly struck me. "No goals! What the heck am I doing this for?" That's when I decided setting running goals was important. Now, if I was to give a running tip to a beginning runner, setting goals for yourself is one of the most important I think. But where do you start? What running goals should be your first?

I started out really simply. There's no point deciding your first goal is to run a marathon. After a week of training, you'll be so frustrated, the idea of a marathon will go out the window along with your running. You'll probably hang up your running bra, shove your running shoes in a closet and never run again. So, for your first running goal, make it simple.

When I started running, I made the simplest running goal I possible could. I started by deciding my goal was to get to the end of the block. Once I got there, I kept on going, and now my goal was to the get to the red car with the dented bumper. At the red car, I aimed for the tree at the end of the street and on and on. As I kept doing this, I discovered every day I began to run further and further. It was easy to get to the end of the block and, surprise, I wasn't tired. The next goal of the red car was even easier. By this time, my body was loosened up, I was breathing well and my mini goals were so easy to achieve, I looked forward to making the next one.

Over the next few months, I continued to do this until, one day, I decided to measure how far I was running. I got in my car and hit the odometer (that little clock thingy that measures how far the car goes) and off I drove. Imagine my surprise when I drove to the end of all my mini goals and realized I was running 10 miles a day. Not bad for quick runs to the end of the block, the post office and the crack in the sidewalk that looks like a boomerang. All added up, they created a run for me that was far beyond what I thought I could do.

So, my first running tip to you is this. Think small, then create large. Make mini goal after mini goal and, before long, you'll be running that marathon - one block at a time.

Sometimes it's not about how good your run is. Sometimes it's all about how much money you find.

Yesterday's run home from Zappos was the most sluggish I've had in a while. I was actually looking foward to running home - I felt good almost all day, ate a good sized portion of pasta for lunch and stayed nice and hydrated all day long, so I'm not too sure why I was so beat. Things were really sucking until I got about three miles into the run and suddenly my eyes were blessed by the wonderful sight of a shiny dime! It's amazing how finding money revives a tattered mind and body. I was feeling a little better.

Another block and what do you know - Another dime! At this point I'm considering retirement from Zappos. I was feeling a lot better.

Another mile after and guess what? A whole dollar bill!!! Even though it was only about ten feet off a crosswalk, it felt like it was laying in the sun all day long. As brittle and torn as it was, it was the most beautiful thing I ever picked up on a street corner. I picked it up and needed to share this with SOMEONE! I looked around and lucky me - A guy stuck at the red light had witnessed my newly found fortune. I raised the dollar in the air in excitement and he gave me the thumbs up and a smile

Damn, this is a great run.

I was feeling much much better. Another mile down the road and another penny! I mean, seriously. This is the best run ever - That is until I got another block down and I found another penny...It's now official - The best run ever.

Hansel and Gretel ain't got nothing on me and my scrilla!!!

The Coin Count

SHOW ME THE MONEY!
Running Total: $2.09

So happy May or Happy Health Awareness month, depending on which side of the Jane Fonda fence you're on. Part of the festivities here in the office today was to 'dress the part', so there are many people dressed in sweats and workout attire. A couple of my favorites are Tara (One of our wonderful content managers here at Zappos) and Nick (another Content Team stud-muffin) They're totally decked out with some pimpin 80's workout gear. Very nice, Tara and NIck! The real reason I'm writing though is because I'm sitting here at my desk feeling really weird wearing my running shorts at work. Besides how white my thighs are and how scrawny I look in white, I have a draft 'down there' - Never had THAT happen at work.

I just whistled at Nick, 'Nice Addictions' - Now I feel naked AND dirty.